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A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated as FTW29 T , was isolated from surface seawater sampled in Futian district, Shenzhen, China. Growth of strain FTW29 T was observed at 15-42 ℃ (optimum, 28-30 ℃), pH 4.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 5.5-7.5) and in the presence of 0.5-10% NaCl (optimum, 3.0% NaCl). Strain FTW29 T showed 95.0-96.8% 16 S rRNA gene sequence similarity to various type strains of the genera Thioclava, Sinirhodobacter, Rhodobacter, Haematobacter and Frigidibacter of the family Paracoccaceae, and its most closely related strains were Thioclava pacifica DSM 10,166 T (96.8%) and Thioclava marina 11.10-0-13 T (96.7%). The phylogenomic tree constructed on the bac120 gene set showed that strain FTW29 T formed a clade with the genus Thioclava, with a bootstrap value of 100%. The evolutionary distance values between FTW29 T and type strains of the genus Thioclava were 0.17-0.19, which are below the recommended standard (0.21-0.23) for defining a novel genus in the family Paracoccaceae. In strain FTW29 T , the major fatty acids identified were summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c) and C 16:0, and the predominant respiratory quinones were ubiquinone-10 and ubiquinone-9. The composition of polar lipids in strain FTW29 T included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified lipid. The genome of strain FTW29 T comprised one circle chromosome and six plasmids, with a G + C content of 61.4%. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain FTW29 T and seven type strains of the genus Thioclava were 76.6-78.4%, 53.2-56.4% and 19.3-20.4%, respectively. Altogether, the phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic evidence illustrated in this study suggested that strain FTW29 T represents a novel species of the genus Thioclava, with the proposed name Thioclava litoralis sp. nov. The type strain is FTW29 T (= KCTC 82,841 T  = MCCC 1K08523 T )., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Strain Az39 T of Azospirillum is a diazotrophic plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated in 1982 from the roots of wheat plants growing in Marcos Juárez, Córdoba, Argentina. It produces indole-3-acetic acid in the presence of l-tryptophan as a precursor, grows at 20-38 °C (optimal 38 °C), and the cells are curved or spiral-shaped, with diameters ranging from 0.5-0.9 to 1.8-2.2 µm. They contain C 16 : 0 , C 18 : 0 and C 18 : 1  ω 7 c / ω 6 c as the main fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that this strain belongs to the genus Azospirillum , showing a close relationship with Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 T , Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 T and Azospirillum formosense CC-Nfb-7 T . Housekeeping gene analysis revealed that Az39 T , together with five strains of the genus (Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036), form a cluster apart from A. baldaniorum Sp245 T , A. brasilense Sp7 T and A. formosense CC-Nfb-7 T . Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) between Az39 T and the aforementioned type strains revealed values below 96 %, the circumscription limit for the species delineation (ANI: 95.3, 94.1 and 94.0 %; dDDH: 62.9, 56.3 and 55.6 %). Furthermore, a phylogeny evaluation of the core proteome, including 809 common shared proteins, showed an independent grouping of Az39 T , Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036. The G+C content in the genomic DNA of these six strains varied from 68.3 to 68.5 %. Based on the combined phylogenetic, genomic and phenotypic characterization presented here, we consider that strain Az39 T , along with strains Az19, REC3, BR 11975, MTCC4035 and MTCC4036, are members of a new Azospirillum species, for which the name Azospirillum argentinense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Az39 T (=LBPCV39 T =BR 148428 T =CCCT 22.01 T ).

A pink-coloured, salt- and alkali-tolerant planctomycetal strain (JC658 T ) with oval to pear-shaped, motile, aerobic, Gram-negative stained cells was isolated from a marine sponge, Pseudoceratina sp. Strain JC658 T shares the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with Maioricimonas rarisocia Mal4 T (< 89.2%) in the family Planctomycetaceae. The genomic analysis of the new strain indicates its biotechnological potential for the production of various industrially important enzymes, notably sulfatases and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and also potential antimicrobial compounds. Several genes encoding restriction-modification (RM) and CRISPR-CAS systems are also present. NaCl is obligate for growth, of which strain JC658 T can tolerate a concentration up to 6% (w/v). Optimum pH and temperature for growth are 8.0 (range 7.0-9.0) and 25 ºC (range 10-40 °C), respectively. The major respiratory quinone of strain JC658 T is MK6. Major fatty acids are C 16:1 ω7c/C 16:1 ω6c, C 18:0 and C 16:0 . Major polar lipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl-dimethylethanolamine and phosphatidyl-monomethylethanolamine. The genomic size of strain JC658 T  is 7.36 Mb with a DNA G + C content of 54.6 mol%. Based on phylogenetic, genomic (ANI, AAI, POCP, dDDH), chemotaxonomic, physiological and biochemical characteristics, we conclude that strain JC658 T belongs to a novel genus and constitutes a novel species within the family Planctomycetaceae, for which we propose the name Thalassoroseus pseudoceratinae gen. nov., sp. nov. The novel species is represented by the type strain JC658 T (= KCTC 72881  T  = NBRC 114371  T )., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Primary coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ) deficiency includes a heterogeneous group of mitochondrial diseases characterized by low mitochondrial levels of CoQ due to decreased endogenous biosynthesis rate. These diseases respond to CoQ treatment mainly at the early stages of the disease. The advances in the next generation sequencing (NGS) as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) have increased the discoveries of mutations in either gene already described to participate in CoQ biosynthesis or new genes also involved in this pathway. However, these technologies usually provide many mutations in genes whose pathogenic effect must be validated. To functionally validate the impact of gene variations in the disease's onset and progression, different cell models are commonly used. We review here the use of yeast strains for functional complementation of human genes, dermal skin fibroblasts from patients as an excellent tool to demonstrate the biochemical and genetic mechanisms of these diseases and the development of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and iPSC-derived organoids for the study of the pathogenesis and treatment approaches.

A Gram stain-negative bacterial strain, designated SY4-7 T , was isolated from rhizosphere mudflat of a halophyte (Zoysia sinica) collected around Seonyu Island, Republic of Korea. Cells of the organism were strictly aerobic, non-sporulating, non-motile rods and grew at 20-42 °C, pH 6-8 and 1-6% (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain SY4-7 T formed an independent cluster separated from the recognized genera of the family Stappiaceae, which was also supported by phylogenomic analysis-based 92-core gene sequences. The type stains of the phylogenetically closest relatives were Stappia indica (95.6% sequence similarity), Stappia stellulata (95.1%) and Roseibium hamelinense (95.1%). The isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids are C 18:1 ω7c and C 19:1 cyclo ω8c. The G + C content of the genomic DNA is 60.7%. Discrimination of the organism from all the recognized genera of the family Stappiaceae was apparent by the chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features. Based on the results presented here, strain SY4-7 T (= KCTC 72226 T  = NBRC 113902 T ) represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Stappiaceae, for which the name Hongsoonwoonella zoysiae sp. nov. is proposed.

Redox reactions accompanied by the oxidation-reduction of endogenous molecules play important roles in maintaining homeostasis in living organisms. In humans, numerous endogenous molecules that contribute toward maintaining physiological conditions form free radicals via electron transfer. A typical example of this is the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is involved in energy production. If free radicals derived from endogenous molecules could be visualized and exploited as biological and functional probes, redox reactions mediated by endogenous molecules could be detected non-invasively. We succeeded in visualizing the free radicals derived from endogenous molecules using an in vivo dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. In this review, we describe the visualization of endogenous redox molecules, such as flavins and ubiquinones, which are mitochondrial electron carriers, as well as vitamin E and vitamin C (ascorbate). In addition, we describe the application of melanin free radicals for the in vivo visualization of metabola without using probes via in vivo DNP-MRI.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10 ) is an essential part of the mitochondrial respiratory chain . Here, we describe an accurate and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determination of mitochondrial CoQ 10 in isolated mitochondria . In the assay, mitochondrial suspensions are spiked with CoQ 10 -[ 2 H 9 ] internal standard (IS), extracted with organic solvents and CoQ 10 quantified by LC-MS/MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Strains MS586 T and MS82, which are aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and polar-flagellated bacteria, were isolated from the soybean rhizosphere in Mississippi. Taxonomic positions of MS586 T and MS82 were determined using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses of the two strains showed high pairwise sequence similarities (>98%) to some Pseudomonas species. Analysis of the concatenated 16S rRNA, rpoB, rpoD, and gyrB gene sequences indicated that the strains belonging to the Pseudomonas koreensis subgroup (SG) shared the highest similarity with Pseudomonas kribbensis strain 46-2 T . Analyses of average nucleotide identity (ANI), genome-to-genome distance, delineated MS586 T and MS82 from other species within the genus Pseudomonas. The predominant quinone system of the strain was ubiquinone 9 (Q-9), and the DNA G+C content was 60.48 mol%. The major fatty acids were C 16:0 , C 17:0 cyclo, and the summed features 3 and 8 consisting of C 16:1 ω7c/C 16:1 ω6c and C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c, respectively. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. Based on these data, it is proposed that strains MS586 T and MS82 represent a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas. The proposed name for the new species is Pseudomonas glycinae, and the type strain is MS586 T (accession NRRL B-65441 = accession LMG 30275)., (© 2020 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

An aerobic bacterium, designated strain Dysh456 T , was isolated from a crude oil-contaminated soil. Cells of strain Dysh456 T were rod-shaped, motile, and Gram-stain-negative. Strain Dysh456 T grew at 13-48 °C and pH 4.3-7.9. Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C 15:0 (42.5%), iso-C 17:0 (15.3%) and summed feature 9 (iso-C 17:1 ω9c/C 16:0 10-methyl [13.7%]). Major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The genome of strain Dysh456 T consists of a single circular chromosome of 2,874,969 bp in length with G + C content of 68.3%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Dysh456 T belongs to the family Rhodanobacteraceae, but none of the existing genera can accommodate this novel isolate. On the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic, and genomic properties, strain Dysh456 T (= NBRC 112897 T  = DSM 105662 T ) is proposed as the type strain representing a novel species of novel genus, for which the name Aerosticca soli gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed.

Dietary supplements (DS) represent a possible approach to improve sperm parameters and male fertility. A wide range of DS containing different nutrients is now available. Although many authors demonstrated benefits from some nutrients in the improvement of sperm parameters, their real effectiveness is still under debate. The aim of this study was to critically review the composition of DS using the Italian market as a sample. Active ingredients and their minimal effective daily dose (mED) on sperm parameters were identified through a literature search. Thereafter, we created a formula to classify the expected efficacy of each DS. Considering active ingredients, their concentration and the recommended daily dose, DS were scored into three classes of expected efficacy: higher, lower and none. Twenty-one DS were identified. Most of them had a large number of ingredients, frequently at doses below mED or with undemonstrated efficacy. Zinc was the most common ingredient of DS (70% of products), followed by selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q and folic acid. By applying our scoring system, 9.5% of DS fell in a higher class, 71.4% in a lower class and 19.1% in the class with no expected efficacy. DS marketed in Italy for male infertility frequently includes effective ingredients but also a large number of substances at insufficient doses or with no reported efficacy. Manufacturers and physicians should better consider the scientific evidence on effective ingredients and their doses before formulating and prescribing these products., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Quinones are redox-active molecules that transport electrons and protons in organelles and cell membranes during respiration and photosynthesis. In addition to the fundamental importance of these processes in supporting life, there has been considerable interest in exploiting their mechanisms for diverse applications ranging from medical advances to innovative biotechnologies. Such applications include novel treatments to target pathogenic bacterial infections and fabricating biohybrid solar cells as an alternative renewable energy source. Ubiquinone (UQ) is the predominant charge-transfer mediator in both respiration and photosynthesis. Other quinones, such as menaquinone (MK), are additional or alternative redox mediators, for example in bacterial photosynthesis of species such as Thermochromatium tepidum and Chloroflexus aurantiacus . Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been used extensively to study electron transfer processes, and recently as a platform to produce integral membrane proteins from other species. To expand the diversity of redox mediators in R. sphaeroides , nine Escherichia coli genes encoding the synthesis of MK from chorismate and polyprenyl diphosphate were assembled into a synthetic operon in a newly designed expression plasmid. We show that the menFDHBCE, menI, menA , and ubiE genes are sufficient for MK synthesis when expressed in R. sphaeroides cells, on the basis of high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The T. tepidum and C. aurantiacus photosynthetic reaction centers produced in R. sphaeroides were found to contain MK. We also measured in vitro charge recombination kinetics of the T. tepidum reaction center to demonstrate that the MK is redox-active and incorporated into the Q A pocket of this heterologously expressed reaction center.

In this study, a novel ginsenoside transforming bacterium, strain W1-2-3 T , was isolated from mineral water. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain W1-2-3 T shares 93.7-92.2% sequence similarity with the members of the family Sphingomonadaceae and makes a group with Sphingoaurantiacus capsulatus YLT33 T (93.7%) and S. polygranulatus MC 3718 T (93.4%). The novel isolate efficiently hydrolyses the ginsenoside Rc to Rd. The genome comprises a single circular 2,880,809, bp chromosome with 3211 genes in total, and 1993 protein coding genes. The isolate was observed to grow at 10-37 °C and at pH 6-10 on R2A agar medium; maximum growth was found to occur at 25 °C and pH 7.0. Strain W1-2-3 T was found to contain ubiquinone-10 as the predominant quinone and the fatty acids C 16:1 , C 17:1 ω6c, C 14:0 2-OH, summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω6c/C 16:1 ω7c) and summed feature 8 (C 18 : 1 ω6c/C 18:1 ω7c). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 65.9 mol%. Strain W1-2-3 T can be distinguished from the other members of the family Sphingomonadaceae by a number of chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics. The major polar lipids of strain W1-2-3 T were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The major poly amine was found to be homospermidine. Based on polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain W1-2-3 T is concluded to represent a novel species within a new genus, for which the name Hankyongella ginsenosidimutans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Hankyongella ginsenosidimutans is W1-2-3 T (= KACC 18307 T  = LMG 28594 T ).

Low levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been reported in the circulation of patients with breast cancer, particularly in metastatic features. Our objective was to study the correlation between plasma levels of CoQ10 and the tumoral expression levels of AMPK, PFKFB3, VEGF, and VEGFR2. This study was a part of consecutive case series conducted on 100 women with newly diagnosed invasive ductal breast carcinoma, with an age range of 30-60 years. Plasma levels of CoQ10 were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector. The expression levels were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to generate pathways describing gene-to-gene inter-correlations. Using SEM identified AMPK expression to contribute positively to VEGF-A/VEGFR2 ratio (coefficient b = 0.64, P < 0.001). The VEGFR2 expression positively correlated with tumor size (coefficient b = 0.31, P < 0.001). A linear correlation between expression levels of AMPK and PFKFB3 was observed (r Adj  =  - 0.273, P = 0.02). Similarly, VEGF-A was correlated with VEGFR2 (r Adj  = 0.698, P < 0.001). There were inverse significant correlations between CoQ10 and the fold changes of AMPK (r Adj  =  - 0.276, P = 0.030), VEGF-A (r Adj  =  - 0.319, P = 0.011) and VEGFR2 (r Adj  =  - 0.262, P = 0.045). The correlation between CoQ10 and the fold changes of PFKFB3 was significantly progesterone receptor (PR) dependent (r Adj  =  - 0.284, P = 0.041). Plasma CoQ10 was correlated with VEGF-A in hormone receptor-dependent mode (ER + : r Adj  =  - 0.286, P = 0.032 and PR + : r Adj  =  - 0.313, P = 0.025). Our findings could provide new insights suggesting CoQ10 can inversely correlate to the expression levels of VEGF-A/VEGFR2 as angiogenic factors and AMPK/PFKFB3 as biomarkers for tumoral glycolysis, especially in a hormone receptor-dependent manner to possibly prevent the progression of breast carcinogenesis.

Strain TLA-22 T , isolated from a cold spring in Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, rod-shaped and formed bright yellow colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 20-25 °C, pH 6-6.5, and in the presence of 0.5 % NaCl. The major fatty acids of TLA-22 T were C 18 : 1 ω7 c and C 17 : 1 ω6 c . The predominant hydroxy fatty acids were C 15 : 0 2-OH and C 14 : 0 2-OH. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. TLA-22 T contained spermidine as the major polyamine and putrescine as the minor component. The only isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of TLA-22 T was 63.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that TLA-22 T was a mem,ber of a phylogenetic lineage including members of the genus Sphingobium . TLA-22 T was most closely related to Sphingobium aromaticiconvertens RW16 T , with a 97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. TLA-22 T showed 74.8-75.7 % average nucleotide identity and 20.1-22.0 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity with the strains of other species of the genus Sphingobium . On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain TLA-22 T should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Sphingobium , for which the name Sphingobium algorifonticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TLA-22 T (=BCRC 81097 T =LMG 30309 T =KCTC 62189 T ).

A Gram-stain-negative strictly aerobic, marine bacterium, designated GH2-2 T , was isolated from a rhizosphere mudflat of a halophyte (Carex scabrifolia) in Gangwha Island, the Republic of Korea. The cells of the organism were oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, flagellated, short rods that grew at 10-40°C, pH 4-10, and 0-13% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acid is C 18:1 . Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the novel isolate formed an independent lineage at the base of the radiation encompassing members of the genus Thioclava, except for Thioclava arenosa. The closest relatives were T. nitratireducens (96.03% sequence similarity) and T. dalianensis (95.97%). The genome size and DNA G+C content were 3.77 Mbp and 59.6 mol%, respectively. Phylogenomic analysis supported phylogenetic distinctness based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. Average nucleotide identity values were 73.6-74.0% between the novel strain and members of the genus Thioclava. On the basis of data obtained from a polyphasic approach, the strain GH2-2 T (= KCTC 62124 T = DSM 105743) represents a novel species of a new genus for which the name Hahyoungchilella caricis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Moreover, the transfer of Thioclava arenosa Thongphrom et al. 2017 to Pseudothioclava gen. nov. as Pseudothioclava arenosa comb. nov. is also proposed. Finally, Thioclava electrotropha Chang et al. 2018 is proposed to be a later heterosynonym of Thioclava sediminum Liu et al. 2017.

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, ovoid- to rod-shaped bacterium, designated as HZ20 T , was isolated from the surface of a brown seaweed (Laminaria japonica) sample collected from the East China Sea. Colonies are 1.0-2.0 mm in diameter, smooth, circular, convex and yellow after grown on MA at 28 °C for 72 h. The strain was found to grow at 4-50 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 5.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5) and with 0-10% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0-1.5%). Chemotaxonomic analysis showed ubiquinone-8 as the only quinone, C 17:0 cyclo, C 16:0 , summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c) and summed feature 2 (C 12:0 aldehyde/unknown 10.9525/C 16:1 iso I/C 14:0 3OH) as the major fatty acids (> 5%), and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified amino phospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids, five unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified lipids as the polar lipids. The DNA G + C content was 55.5 mol %. 16S rRNA gene sequences of the isolate showed highest similarities to Bordetella flabilis AU10664 T (97.1%), Parapusillimonas granuli Ch07 T (97.1%), Paracandidimonas soli IMT-305 T (97.1%), Kerstersia gyiorum LMG5906 T (97.0%) and Bordetella sputigena LMG 28641 T (97.0%). The phylogenetic trees using 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences both showed that the strain HZ20 T formed a deep branch separated from other related genera, indicating that it represents a novel species of a novel genus. The calculated average nucleotide identity (ANI) and percent of conserved proteins (POCP) values using genome sequences of strain HZ20 T and related strains also support this conclusion. Based on the phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, we propose strain HZ20 T (= MCCC 1K03465 T  = KCTC 62330 T ) to represent a novel species of a novel genus with the name Algicoccus marinus gen. nov. sp. nov.

A novel alphaproteobacterium, designated KMU-156T, was isolated from seawater collected on the coast of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, and its phylogenetic position was determined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strain KMU-156T was Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, apricot-colored, rod-shaped, non-motile and chemoorganoheterotrophic. Phylogenetic study based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the novel bacterium belongs to the family 'Rhodobacteraceae', of the class Alphaproteobacteria, and that it possessed the greatest sequence similarity (98.2%) with Tateyamaria omphalii MKT107T. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strains KMU-156T, T. omphalii KCTC 12333T and Tateyamaria pelophila DSM 17270T were less than 70%. The major isoprenoid quinone of the novel isolate was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) and the major (> 10%) cellular fatty acids were C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain KMU-156T was 59.3 mol%. The polar lipid profile of the strain KMU-156T had phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids. From the discriminative taxonomic features, the strain is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tateyamaria for which the name Tateyamaria armeniaca sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of T. armeniaca sp. nov. is KMU-156T (= KCCM 90321T = NBRC 113460T)., (© FEMS 2019.)

Polyphasic taxonomic analysis was performed on a novel marine bacterium, designated as strain YJ057T, isolated from marine sediment collected in the Republic of Korea. The strain was Gram-negative, beige-colored, facultatively anaerobic, coccoid or ovoid-shaped and nonmotile. Preliminary 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis indicated that this novel marine isolate belongs to the family Rhodobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria, and has the greatest (96.2%) sequence similarity to Paracoccus aestuariivivens GHD-30T. Major (>10%) fatty acids of strain YJ057T were C16:0 and C18:1 ω7c, G+C content in the genomic DNA of the strain was 63.6 mol% and the sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10. It had phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and some unidentified components (three aminolipids, a glycolipid, a phospholipid and two lipids). As per the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of phenotypic and genotypic traits, the strain is considered a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, and the name Paracoccus ravus sp. nov. is proposed., (© FEMS 2019.)

A key metabolic adaptation of some species that face hypoxia as part of their life cycle involves an alternative electron transport chain in which rhodoquinone (RQ) is required for fumarate reduction and ATP production. RQ biosynthesis in bacteria and protists requires ubiquinone (Q) as a precursor. In contrast, Q is not a precursor for RQ biosynthesis in animals such as parasitic helminths, and most details of this pathway have remained elusive. Here, we used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model animal to elucidate key steps in RQ biosynthesis. Using RNAi and a series of C. elegans mutants, we found that arylamine metabolites from the kynurenine pathway are essential precursors for RQ biosynthesis de novo Deletion of kynu-1 , encoding a kynureninase that converts l-kynurenine (KYN) to anthranilic acid (AA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HKYN) to 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA), completely abolished RQ biosynthesis but did not affect Q levels. Deletion of kmo-1 , which encodes a kynurenine 3-monooxygenase that converts KYN to 3HKYN, drastically reduced RQ but not Q levels. Knockdown of the Q biosynthetic genes coq-5 and coq-6 affected both Q and RQ levels, indicating that both biosynthetic pathways share common enzymes. Our study reveals that two pathways for RQ biosynthesis have independently evolved. Unlike in bacteria, where amination is the last step in RQ biosynthesis, in worms the pathway begins with the arylamine precursor AA or 3HAA. Because RQ is absent in mammalian hosts of helminths, inhibition of RQ biosynthesis may have potential utility for targeting parasitic infections that cause important neglected tropical diseases., (© 2019 Roberts Buceta et al.)

A group of five Gram-negative aerobic halophilic bacteria was isolated from the red alga Polysiphonia sp. specimen collected from the Sea of Japan seashore and subjected to a taxonomic study. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the novel isolates were affiliated to the genus Labrenzia sharing the highest gene sequence similarities of 98.1-98.4% with the type strain of Labrenzia suaedae KACC 13772 T . The DNA-DNA hybridization values of 83-91% obtained between five novel strains, and 26 and 36% between two of the five novel strains and the closest neighbor Labrenzia suaedae KACC 13772 T confirmed their assignment to the same separate species. Novel isolates were characterized by Q-10 as the major ubiquinone, by the predominance of C 18:1 ω7c followed by 11-methyl C 18:1 ω7c and C 14:0 3-ОН in their fatty acid profiles. Polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid, and an unknown phospholipid. Some of novel strains were found to inhibit growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive test microorganisms. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization and phenotypic traits, a novel species with the name Labrenzia polysiphoniae sp. nov. (type strain KMM 9699 T  = rh46 T  = KACC 19711 T ), is proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative and facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated as strain CBA4604 T , was isolated from a traditional Korean salted and fermented shrimp food (saeu-jeot). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA4604 T formed a clearly distinct phyletic lineage from closely related species within the genus Paracoccus. Strain CBA4604 T was the most closely related to P. koreensis Ch05 T (97.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and other type strains (≤ 97.0%). The genome comprised a chromosome and two plasmids of 3,299,166 bp with 66.5% G+C content. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain CBA4604 T and P. koreensis Ch05 T , P. alcaliphilus DSM 8512 T , and P. stylophorae KTW-16 T were 30.5%, 22.9%, and 16.7%, respectively. Cells of the strain were short rod-shaped and oxidase- and catalase-positive. The growth of strain CBA-4604 T was observed at 10-40°C (optimum, 37°C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), and in the presence of 0-8.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0-2.0%). Strain CBA4604 T contained ubiquinone 10 as the sole isoprenoid quinone and summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c/C 18:1 ω6c) and C 18:0 as the major cellular fatty acids. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid, and three unidentified lipids. Based on its phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features, we concluded that strain CBA-4604 T represents a novel species in the genus Paracoccus and we propose the name Paracoccus jeotgali sp. nov. The type strain is CBA4604 T (= KACC 19579 T = JCM 32510 T ).

A lipolytic, Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and pleomorphic bacterial strain, designated W-SW3 T , was isolated from seawater around Wando, an island of South Korea, and its taxonomic position was determined using a polyphasic approach. Its optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, pH 7.0-8.0 and 2.0-4.0% (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain W-SW3 T belonged to the genus Roseovarius of the family Rhodobacteraceae, by showing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value (97.3%) to the type strain of Roseovarius nanhaiticus. Strain W-SW3 T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 93.2-95.6% to the type strains of the other Roseovarius species. Ubiquinone-10 was found as the predominant ubiquinone and C 18:1 ω7c and C 16:0 were found as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid were major polar lipids detected. The DNA G + C content of strain W-SW3 T was 63.9 mol%. Mean DNA-DNA relatedness values of strain W-SW3 T with the type strains of R. nanhaiticus and R. antarcticus were 18 and 9%, respectively. The phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic data, made it possible strain W-SW3 T to be separated from other recognized species of the genus Roseovarius. On the basis of the data presented, strain W-SW3 T represents a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius ponticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is W-SW3 T (= KCTC 62424 T  = KACC 19615 T  = NBRC 113186 T ).

An aerobic, Gram-negative, non-sporulating, motile, rod-shaped and lignin-degrading bacterial strain, Pseudomonas sp. CCA1, was isolated from leaf soil collected in Japan. This strain grew at 20-45 °C (optimum 20 °C), at pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum pH 5.0), and in the presence of 2% NaCl. Its major cellular fatty acids were C 16:0 and summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω6c and/or C 18:1 ω7c). The predominant quinone system was ubiquinone-9. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that Pseudomonas sp. CCA1 was related most closely to P. citronellolis NBRC 103043 T (98.9%), but multilocus sequence analysis based on fragments of the atpD, gyrA, gyrB and rpoB gene sequences showed strain CCA1 to branch separately from its most closely related Pseudomonas type strains. DNA-DNA hybridization values between Pseudomonas sp. CCA1 and type strains of closely related Pseudomonas species were less than 53%. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, we propose that Pseudomonas sp. CCA1 represents a novel species within the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas humi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CCA1 (= HUT 8136 T  = TBRC 8616 T ).

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) deficiency has been associated with primary defects in the CoQ biosynthetic pathway or to secondary events. In some cases, the exogenous CoQ supplementation has limited efficacy. In the Coq9 R239X mouse model with fatal mitochondrial encephalopathy due to CoQ deficiency, we have tested the therapeutic potential of β-resorcylic acid (β-RA), a structural analog of the CoQ precursor 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and the anti-inflammatory salicylic acid. β-RA noticeably rescued the phenotypic, morphological, and histopathological signs of the encephalopathy, leading to a significant increase in the survival. Those effects were due to the decrease of the levels of demethoxyubiquinone-9 (DMQ 9 ) and the increase of mitochondrial bioenergetics in peripheral tissues. However, neither CoQ biosynthesis nor mitochondrial function changed in the brain after the therapy, suggesting that some endocrine interactions may induce the reduction of the astrogliosis, spongiosis, and the secondary down-regulation of astrocytes-related neuroinflammatory genes. Because the therapeutic outcomes of β-RA administration were superior to those after CoQ 10 supplementation, its use in the clinic should be considered in CoQ deficiencies., (© 2018 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop, characterize and evaluate stability of a gel containing coenzyme Q 10 (Q 10 )-loaded liposomes, and enhance the stability of Q 10 in the nanocarrier-containing gel compared to the conventional gel., Methods: Q 10 -loaded liposome dispersions prepared from unsaturated or saturated lecithin, were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential, pH value, oxidation index, Q 10 -content and morphology, and incorporated into carbomer gel. Liposome gels and liposome-free gel were analyzed for flow properties, pH values, Q 10 -content, and liposomes size and PDI (liposome gels), 48 h after preparation and in predetermined time intervals during 6 months storage at different temperatures in order to predict their long term stability., Results: Liposomes were of small particle size, homogeneous, negatively charged, and their incorporation into gel did not significantly change (p > .05) their particle size and PDI. All gels revealed non-Newtonian, shear-thinning plastic flow behavior during storage with no marked changes in rheological parameters. Storage of gels did not significantly influence the pH value (p > .05), while it significantly decreased Q 10 -content (p < .05). Q 10 was significantly more (p < .05) stable in liposome gel containing unsaturated lecithin liposomes (G1) than in gel containing saturated lecithin liposomes (G2) and liposome-free gel (G3)., Conclusions: Q 10 -loaded liposome gel G1 was the optimal formulation, since during storage at different temperatures, it did not show significant increase in liposome size and PDI, it provided significantly higher stability for Q 10 than other gels and its pH value was suitable for skin application. Due to limited Q 10 -stability it should be stored at 4 °C.

Multiple System Atrophy is a severe neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by a variable clinical presentation and a broad neuropathological spectrum. The pathogenic mechanisms are almost completely unknown. In the present study, we established a cellular model of MSA by using fibroblasts' primary cultures and performed several experiments to investigate the causative mechanisms of the disease, with a particular focus on mitochondrial functioning. Fibroblasts' analyses (7 MSA-P, 7 MSA-C and 6 healthy controls) displayed several anomalies in patients: an impairment of respiratory chain activity, in particular for succinate Coenzyme Q reductase (p < 0.05), and a reduction of complex II steady-state level (p < 0.01); a reduction of Coenzyme Q10 level (p < 0.001) and an up-regulation of some CoQ10 biosynthesis enzymes, namely COQ5 and COQ7; an impairment of mitophagy, demonstrated by a decreased reduction of mitochondrial markers after mitochondrial inner membrane depolarization (p < 0.05); a reduced basal autophagic activity, shown by a decreased level of LC3 II (p < 0.05); an increased mitochondrial mass in MSA-C, demonstrated by higher TOMM20 levels (p < 0.05) and suggested by a wide analysis of mitochondrial DNA content in blood of large cohorts of patients. The present study contributes to understand the causative mechanisms of Multiple System Atrophy. In particular, the observed impairment of respiratory chain activity, mitophagy and Coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, these findings will hopefully contribute to identify novel therapeutic targets for this still incurable disorder., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A novel moderately thermophilic and heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, designated strain BM62 T , was isolated from compost in the thermophilic stage in Harbin, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain BM62 T belongs to the family Bacillaceae within the class Bacilli and was most closely related to Alteribacillus iranensis X5B T (only 94.6% sequence similarity). Cells of strain BM62 T were Gram-positive, rod-shaped, motile by periflagella, catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Growth of strain BM62 T was observed at salinities of 0-4% (optimum 2-3%), temperatures of 35-65 °C (optimum 50 °C) and pH values of 5-9 (optimum pH 7). The major cellular fatty acid was iso-C 16:0 , and the predominant ubiquinone was MK-7. The peptidoglycan type is A1γ, and meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid and phosphatidylglycerol. The G + C content of its genomic DNA was 36.5 mol%. Data from this polyphasic taxonomy study suggested that strain BM62 T should be classified as the type strain of the type species of a new genus within the family Bacillaceae for which the name Aliibacillus thermotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species Aliibacillus thermotolerans sp. nov. is BM62 T (= DSM 101851 T  = CGMCC 1.15790 T ). The respective DPD Taxon Number is GA00057.

A lipolytic bacterial strain, designated BPTF-M5 T , was isolated from a tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea in Republic of Korea, and identified by a polyphasic taxonomic approach. It was Gram negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod shaped. Strain BPTF-M5 T grew optimally at 30 °C and in the presence of 2.0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BPTF-M5 T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of Pseudoruegeria species. The novel strain exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value (98.6%) to Pseudoruegeria marinistellae SF-16 T . Strain BPTF-M5 T exhibited sequence similarities of 97.0-98.5% to the type strains of five other Pseudoruegeria species and of less than 96.1% to other recognized species. Strain BPTF-M5 T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C 18:1 ω7c as the major fatty acid. Phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified glycolipid were detected as major polar lipids in the novel strain. The DNA G + C content of strain BPTF-M5 T was 63.3 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain BPTF-M5 T and the type strains of the six Pseudoruegeria species were 11.0-24.3%. The phenotypic properties of strain BPTF-M5 T were clearly distinguished from those of the type strains of the six Pseudoruegeria species. Based on the polyphasic data presented, strain BPTF-M5 T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudoruegeria, for which the name Pseudoruegeria litorisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BPTF-M5 T (= KCTC 62420 T  = KACC 19613 T  = NBRC 113189 T ).

The novel species DCY115 T was isolated from ginseng-cultivated soil in Gochang province, Republic of Korea. The isolated strain was assigned to the genus Paraburkholderia due to its 16S rRNA gene sequence proximity to Paraburkholderia xenovorans LB400 T (98.8%), Paraburkholderia terricola LMG 20594 T (98.4%), Paraburkholderia graminis C4D1M T (98.2%), Paraburkholderia rhynchosiae WSM3937 T (98.1%), and Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN T (98.1%). Strain DCY115 T is gram-negative, facultative aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-flagellated, and oxidase and catalase positive. The predominant isoprenoid quinone of DCY115 T is ubiquinone Q-8. The major cellular fatty acids are C 16:0 , cyclo-C 17:0 , cyclo-C 19:0 ω8c, summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c). The major polar lipids include diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and an unknown amino lipid (AL1). The genomic DNA G + C content is 61.3 mol%. Phenotypic tests and chemotaxonomic analysis place strain DCY115 T in the genus Paraburkholderia. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain DCY115 T and closely related reference strains were lower than 51%. The low DNA relatedness data in combination with phylogenetic and biochemical tests showed that strain DCY115 T could not be assigned to any recognized species. Finally, strain DCY115 T showed antagonistic activity against Fusarium solani (KACC 44891 T ) and Cylindrocarpon destructans (KACC 44660 T ), which are two root rot fungal pathogens of ginseng. In conclusion, the results in this study support strain DCY115 T as a novel species within the genus Paraburkholderia for which the name Paraburkholderia panacihumi is proposed. The type strain is DCY115 T (= KCTC 52952 T  = JCM 32099 T ).

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of a solid dispersion of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/cyclodextrin metal organic frameworks-1 (CD-MOF-1). As a result of the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), it was confirmed that the CD-MOF-1 was changed from the α form to the β form by evaporation (EVP). A diffraction peak due to melting of CoQ10 disappeared the EVP (CoQ10/CD-MOF-1 = 1/2). The structure of this complex is presumed to be similar to the β form of CD-MOF-1. As a result of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the endothermic peak due to the melting of CoQ10 disappeared the EVP (CoQ10/CD-MOF-1 = 1/2). As a result of the near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy, findings suggested the hydrogen bond in formation between the CH group in the isoprene side chains of CoQ10 and the OH group of CD-MOF-1. Therefore, the formation of crystal solid dispersion in CoQ10/CD-MOF-1 was suggested. As a result of the dissolution test in distilled water, the EVP (CoQ10/CD-MOF-1 = 1/2) had better dissolution in comparison to CoQ10 alone. Furthermore, also in fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) in vivo, the EVP (CoQ10/CD-MOF-1 = 1/2) had better dissolution in the human body than CoQ10 alone. From the results of 2D-nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR spectroscopy, CD-MOF-1 could not include the benzoquinone ring of CoQ10. It was confirmed that the isoprene side chain was included. Therefore, it was suggested that CD-MOF-1 useful as a novel drug carrier for CoQ10.

A yellow-pigmented novel bacterial strain, MAH-12 T , was isolated from a soil sample of Korean radish garden and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. Cells were Gram-staining negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. The strain was aerobic, catalase positive, optimum growth temperature and pH were 28-30 °C and 6.0, respectively. The novel strain is able to hydrolyze L-tyrosine, starch, esculin and 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain MAH-12 T belongs to the genus Sphingobium and is most closely related to several Sphingobium type strains (97.2-97.8%). In DNA-DNA hybridization tests, the DNA relatedness between strain MAH-12 T and its closest phylogenetic neighbors was below 45.0%. The DNA G + C content was 64.0 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c) and C 16:0 . The DNA-DNA hybridization results and results of the genotypic analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain MAH-12 T represented a novel species within the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium tyrosinilyticum is proposed. The type strain is MAH-12 T (= KACC 19297 T  = CGMCC 1.16225 T ). The NCBI GenBank accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MAH-12 T is KY964278 and the digital protologue database taxon number of strain MAH-12 T is TA00463.

Three novel bacterial strains (UCM-2 T , UCM-G28 T , and UCM-G35 T ) were obtained while isolating soil bacteria for the development of antibiotics. Cells of these strains were Gram-negative, non-spore forming, motile by means of a single flagellum, and rod shaped. In all strains, the predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). Cells contained C 16:0 , summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c), summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c), and C 17:0 cyclo as the major fatty acids, and C 10:0 3-OH as the major hydroxy fatty acid. The polar lipid profiles of the three novel strains were dominated by diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains UCM-2 T , UCM-G28 T , and UCMG35 T were 67.5, 65.9, and 66.4 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences showed that strain UCM-2 T was most closely related to Variovorax soli NBRC 106424 T , whereas strains UCM-G28 T and UCM-G35 T were most similar to Variovorax ginsengisoli Gsoil 3165 T . Values indicating DNA-DNA hybridization between the novel isolates and closely related species in the genus Variovorax were lower than the 70% cut-off point. These phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data indicate that the three isolates should be classified as new members of the genus Variovorax, for which the names Variovorax ureilyticus sp. nov., Variovorax rhizosphaerae sp. nov., and Variovorax robiniae sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are UCM-2 T (= KACC 18899 T = NBRC 112306 T ), UCMG28 T (= KACC 18900 T = NBRC 112307 T ), and UCM-G35 T (= KACC 18901 T = NBRC 112308 T ), respectively.

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a redox active molecule that plays a fundamental role in mitochondrial energy generation and functions as a potent endogenous antioxidant. Redox ratio of CoQ has been suggested as a good marker of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, simultaneous measurement of redox states of CoQ is challenging owing to its hydrophobicity and instability of the reduced form. In order to improve the analytical methodology, paying special attention to this instability, we developed a highly sensitive and selective high-resolution/accurate-mass (HR/AM) UHPLC-MS/MS method for the rapid determination of redox states of CoQ 9 and CoQ 10 by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. CoQs were extracted using hexane with the addition of butylated hydroxytoluene to limit oxidation during sample preparation. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was achieved on a Kinetex C 18 column with the isocratic elution of 5 mM ammonium formate in 2-propanol/methanol (60:40) within 4 min. A full MS/all ion fragmentation (AIF) acquisition mode with mass accuracy < 5 ppm was used for detection and determination of redox states of CoQ 9 and CoQ 10 in healthy mice tissues using reduced and oxidized CoQ 4 as internal standards. The validated method showed good linearity (r 2  ≥ 0.9991), intraday, inter-day precision (CVs ≤ 11.9%) and accuracy (RE ≤±15.2%). In contrast to existing methods, the current method offers enhanced sensitivity (up to 52 fold) with LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.01 to 0.49 ng mL -1 and 0.04-1.48 ng mL -1 , respectively. Moreover, we evaluated various diluents to investigate bench top stability (at 4 °C) of targeted analytes in tissue samples during LC-MS assay up to 24 h. Ethanol was determined to be an optimum diluent without any significant oxidation of reduced CoQ up to 24 h. The developed method offers a rapid, highly sensitive and selective strategy for the measurement of redox states of CoQs in clinical studies., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A Gram-negative, yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated IPC6 T , was isolated from soil in an arid region of Goyang-si (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea). Cells were strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped. The strain grew within a temperature range of 10-42°C (optimum, 30°C) and pH of 5.0-11.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) in the presence of 0-2% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetically, the novel strain was closely related to members of the Lysobacter genus based on 16S rRNA sequence similarity, and showed the highest sequence similarity to Lysobacter niastensis KACC 11588 T (98.5%). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C 15:0 , iso-C 16:0 , and summed feature 9 (iso-C 17:1 ω9c), with Q-8 identified as the major ubiquinone. The polar lipid content included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown aminophospholipid, and an unidentified phospholipid. DNA-DNA hybridization results indicated that the strain IPC6 T was distinct from Lysobacter niastensis KACC 11588 T (37.9 ± 0.14%), Lysobacter panacisoli KACC 17502 T (56.4 ± 0.13%), Lysobacter soli KCTC 22011 T (8.1 ± 0.04%), Lysobacter gummosus KCTC 12132 T (9.6 ± 0.03%), and Lysobacter cavernae KCTC 42875 T (37.5 ± 0.14%), respectively. The DNA G + C content of the novel strain was 71.1 mol%. Based on the collective phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic data, the IPC6 T strain is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter pedocola sp. nov. (= KCTC 42811 T = JCM 31020 T ) is proposed.

A Gram-stain-negative strain, 23-3-2 T , was isolated from a nodule of Thermopsis lanceolate grown in Northwest China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain was closely related to Mesorhizobium camelthorni CCNWXJ 40-4 T and M. alhagi CCNWXJ 12-2 T having 98.0 and 97.9% similarities, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the protein-coding genes atpD and glnA showed lower similarity with the same closely related species (94.5 and 89.9%, respectively), which suggest that 23-3-2 T strain represents a distinctly delineated genospecies of the genus Mesorhizobium. The 23-3-2 T strain grew at 20-37 °C temperature (optimum 28 °C) and 5.0-9.0 pH range (optimum pH 7.0). The cells contained Q-10 as the sole respiratory quinone and 18:1ω7c (24.56%) as the major cellular fatty acid. The DNA relatedness between the strain 23-3-2 T and the two reference strains was 39-44%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain 23-3-2 T represents a novel species of the genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name Mesorhizobium zhangyense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 23-3-2 T (= CGMCC 1.15528 T  = NBRC 112337 T ). The respective DPD Taxon Number is TA00147.

A pale yellow bacterial strain, designated JJ-A5 T , was isolated form an agricultural soil from Jeju Island in Republic of Korea. Cells of the strain were Gram-stain-negative, motile, flagellated and rod-shaped. The strain grew at 15-30°C, pH 6.0-9.0, and in the presence of 0-1.5% (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred on R2A, but not on Luria-Bertani agar, nutrient agar, trypticase soy agar and MacConkey agar. The strain utilized alachlor as a sole carbon source for growth. The strain JJ-A5 T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities lower than 95.4% with members of the family Sphingomonadaceae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain belongs to the family Sphingomonadaceae and strain JJ-A5 T was distinctly separated from established genera of this family. The strain contained Q-10 as dominant ubiquinone and spermidine as major polyamine. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c), 11-methyl C 18:1 ω7c, C 16:0 and C 14:0 2-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid, and phosphatidylcholine. The DNA G + C content of the strain was 62.7 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, genomic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JJ-A5 T is considered to represent a novel genus and species within the family Sphingomonadaceae, for which the name Tardibacter chloracetimidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Tardibacter chloracetimidivorans is JJ-A5 T (= KACC 19450 T = NBRC 113160 T ).

In this work, for the first time, manganese (IV) oxide-modified screen-printed graphene electrodes (MnO 2 /SPGEs) were developed for the simultaneous electrochemical detection of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and α-lipoic acid (ALA). This sensor exhibits attractive benefits such as simplicity, low production costs, and disposability. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to characterize the electrochemical behavior of the analyte and investigate the capacitance and electroactive surface area of the unmodified and modified electrode surfaces. The electrochemical behavior of CoQ10 and ALA on MnO 2 /SPGEs was also discussed. Additionally, square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) was used for the quantitative determination of CoQ10 and ALA. Under optimal conditions, the obtained signals are linear in the concentration range from 2.0 to 75.0 μg mL -1 for CoQ10 and 0.3-25.0 μg mL -1 for ALA. The low limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 0.56 μg mL -1 and 0.088 μg mL -1 for CoQ10 and ALA, respectively. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility and applicability of the MnO 2 /SPGE sensor through simultaneous measurements of CoQ10 and ALA in dietary supplements. The sensor provides high accuracy measurements, exhibiting its high potential for practical applications., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ten related substances in coenzyme A (CoA) were detected using a newly developed gradient reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. A highly specific and efficient LC-MS/MS method was developed to characterize process-related substances and the major degradation products, and three unknown related substances were further synthesized and characterized by H-NMR and C-NMR spectroscopy. Synthesized samples of the related substances were used for quantitative analysis by HPLC. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, precision, accuracy and linearity. The forced degradation studies included acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Furthermore, we depicted and speculated the probable mechanism of formation of related substances and the plausible fragmentation mechanism showed that all the related substances came from the manufacturing process. Characterization, synthesis and quantitative analysis of related substances were discussed in detail, and were critical for quality control, manufacturing process optimization and CoA monitoring, all of which were important to ensure the security of CoA., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Gram-staining-negative, uniflagellated, rod-shaped, designated as DCY110 T , was isolated from sludge located in Gangwon province, Republic of Korea. The phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain DCY110 T belonged to the genus Rhodoferax with a close similarity to Rhodoferax saidenbachensis DSM 22694 T (97.7%), Rhodoferax antarcticus DSM 24876 T (97.5%), Rhodoferax ferrireducens DSM 15236 T (97.3%), and Rhodoferax fermentans JCM 7819 T (96.7%). The predominant isoprenoid quinine was ubiquinone (Q-8). DNA G + C content was 62.8 mol%. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were C 12:0 , C 16:0 , summed feature 3 (which comprised C 16:1 ω7c and/or C 16:1 ω6c). The DNA-DNA relatedness values between the strain DCY110 T and the closely related relatives used in this study were lower than 70%. Based on the following polyphasic analysis, the strain DCY110 T is considered as a novel species of the genus Rhodoferax, for which the name Rhodoferax koreense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DCY-110 T (= KCTC 52288 T = JCM 31441 T ).

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on strain KMU-34 T , which was isolated from seawater in the Republic of Korea. The bacterial cells were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, yellow-pigmented and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the novel marine strain was affiliated with the family Erythrobacteraceae of the class Alphaproteobacteria and that it showed highest sequence similarity (98.6%) to Erythrobacter atlanticus s21-N3 T . The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strains KMU-34 T and E. atlanticus KCTC 42697 T were 8.6 ± 1.2%. The DNA G + C content of strain KMU-34 T was determined to be 60.4 mol%. Ubiquinone 10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c (43.8%) and C16:1 ω7c (16.8%). Strain KMU-34 T had phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, a sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified lipids as polar lipids. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Erythrobacter for which the name Erythrobacter alti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of E. alti sp. nov. is KMU-34 T (= KCCM 90261 T  = NBRC 111903 T ).

A precise, accurate and rapid HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin D3, E-acetate, K1, β-carotene, A-palmitate) and coenzyme Q10 was developed and validated according to ICH guidelines. Optimal chromatographic separation of the analytes in minimal analysis time (8 min) was achieved on a Luna C18 150 × 4.6 mm column using a mixture of acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and water (50:45:5, v/v/v). The described reversed phase HPLC method is the first published for quantification of these five fat-soluble vitamins and coenzyme Q10 within a single chromatographic run. The method was further applied for quantification of the analytes in selected liquid and solid dosage forms, registered as nutritional supplements and prescription medicines, which confirmed its suitability for routine analysis.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, beige-pigmented, motile, chemoheterotrophic, rod-shaped or ovoid bacterium, designated strain KMU-37 T , was isolated from seawater at Najeong Beach in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the novel isolate was affiliated with the genus Litorivivens, class Gammaproteobacteria, showing highest sequence similarity (97.4%) to Litorivivens lipolytica HJTF-7 T . The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strains KMU-37 T and L. lipolytica HJTF-7 T were 11.5 ± 0.4%. The DNA G+C content of strain KMU-37 T was determined to be 53.8 mol%. Ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was the sole respiratory quinone. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C17:1 ω8c and C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c. Strain KMU-37 T had phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid as polar lipids. From the distinct phylogenetic position and combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Litorivivens for which the name Litorivivens aequoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of L. aequoris sp. nov. is KMU-37 T (= KCCM 90262 T  = NBRC 111904 T ).

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the main features of atherosclerosis accelerated by hyperglycemia. Our previous studies found that farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS, EC 2.5.1.10), an essential enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, was upregulated in aorta media from diabetic mice along with the process of atherosclerosis. However, the exact role of FPPS in high glucose‑induced proliferation of VSMCs is largely unclear. In our study, we found that alendronate (an FPPS inhibitor) attenuated diabetic accelerated atherosclerosis in vivo and suppressed high glucose‑induced VSMCs proliferation in vitro. Moreover, in aorta from streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic mice, 16‑week treatment of alendronate decreased the activation of small GTPase (Ras, RhoA, and Rac1), but had no effect on the expression of cystathionine γ‑lyase (CSE), the pivotal H2S‑producing enzyme. Meanwhile, in VSMCs cultured in high glucose‑containing media, alendronate remarkably decreased total CoQ content, increased the H2S level, depressed small GTPases (Ras, RhoA, and Rac1) activation, but yet had no effect on expression of CSE. In conclusion, FPPS inhibition by alendronate attenuated the high glucose‑induced proliferation of VSMCs both in vivo and in vitro, probably though depressing H2S metabolism and suppressing small GTPases (Ras, RhoA, and Rac1) activation.

To investigate the toxic mechanism of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and search for an antidote for Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity, a study of mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Cr(VI) and cell survival by recovering mitochondrial function was performed. In the present study, we found that the gene expression of electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) was strongly downregulated by Cr(VI) exposure. The levels of coenzyme 10 (CoQ10) and mitochondrial biogenesis presented by mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial DNA copy number were also significantly reduced after Cr(VI) exposure. The subsequent, Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis were characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ATP production, increased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) content, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, increased Ca 2+ levels, Cyt c release, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and significantly elevated Bax expression. The Cr(VI)-induced deleterious changes were attenuated by pretreatment with CoQ10 in L-02 hepatocytes. These data suggest that Cr(VI) induces CoQ10 deficiency in L-02 hepatocytes, indicating that this deficiency may be a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction in Cr(VI) poisoning and that exogenous administration of CoQ10 may restore mitochondrial function and protect the liver from Cr(VI) exposure.

A Gram-stain negative, ovoid or short rod-shaped, aerobic and non-motile bacterial strain, designated J82 T , was isolated from a seawater sample collected from the coast of Yellow Sea in Qingdao, China. The strain grew at salinities of 1.0-6.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2.5%). Growth occurred at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 10-42 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C). The genomic DNA G + C content was determined to be 57.5 mol%. Q-10 was detected as the respiratory quinone. The major fatty acid (>10%) was Summed feature 8 (C 18:1 ω7c and/or C 18:1 ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain J82 T forms a distinct evolutionary lineage within the family Rhodobacteraceae. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, the strain merits recognition as representative of a novel genus and species within the family Rhodobacteraceae for which the name Rubricella aquisinus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Rubricella aquisinus is J82 T (= DSM 103377 T  = CCTCC AB 2016170 T ).

An aerobic, Gram-stain negative, short rod-shaped, asporogenous, non-motile bacterium designated strain NK8 T was isolated from a chlorobenzoate contaminated soil in China. Strain NK8 T was observed to grow optimally at pH 7.0, 30 °C and in the absence of NaCl in LB medium. The G + C content of the total DNA of strain NK8 T was found to be 65.5 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NK8 T showed high similarity to that of Aquamicrobium aerolatum Sa14 T (97.3%), followed by Aquamicrobium lusatiense S1 T (96.7%) and Mesorhizobium sangali SCAU7 T (96.6%). The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain NK8 T and A. aerolatum Sa14 T was 35.5 ± 0.9%. The major fatty acids of strain NK8 T were determined to be C 19:0 cyclo ω8c (45.6%), C 18:1 ω7c (33.4%) and C 16:0 (8.4%). The respiratory quinone was found to be ubiquinone Q-10. The major polyamine was found to be spermidine. The polar lipid profile include the major compounds phosphatidylcholine and diphosphatidylglycerol, and moderate amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, aminolipid and phospholipid. Based on the differential biochemical and physiological characteristics, the geno-, chemo- and phenotypic characteristics, strain NK8 T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Aquamicrobium, Aquamicrobium soli sp. nov. The type strain is NK8 T (=KCTC 52165 T =CCTCC AB2016045 T ).

A novel, simple and reliable method based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography with ultraviolet detection was developed to analyze idebenone in a pediatric formulation. Idebenone is a synthetic short chain benzoquinone that acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain facilitating the production of adenosine triphosphate. It can be found in two different redox states that differ in their physiological properties. Idebenone has been investigated as a treatment in several neurological disorders like Friedreich's ataxia, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, mitochondrial encephalomyopathies and senile dementia. Accordingly, a micellar electrokinetic chromatography was employed to discriminate both redox forms. The final optimized system was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity (r2 0.992), limit of detection (0.5 µg/mL), limit of quantification (1.8 µg/mL), intra- and inter-day precision (RSD ≤ 2) and accuracy in terms of recovery studies (99.3-100.5%). Robustness was studied following a Plackett-Burman design. Finally, the validated system was applied to the analysis of idebenone in a pediatric formulation., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineesis) is the source of antioxidant-rich red palm oil. Red palm oil is a rich source of phytonutrients such as tocotrienols, tocopherols, carotenoids, phytosterols, squalene, and coenzyme Q10, all of which exhibit nutritional properties and oxidative stability. Mutagenic, nutritional, and toxicological studies have shown that red palm oil contains highly bioavailable β-carotene and vitamin A and is reasonably stable to heat without any adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional properties of red palm oil. The possible antiatherogenic, antihemorrhagic, antihypertensive, anticancer, and anti-infective properties of red palm oil are examined. Moreover, evidence supporting the potential effectiveness of red palm oil to overcome vitamin A deficiency in children and pregnant women, to improve ocular complications of vitamin A deficiency, to protect against ischemic heart disease, to promote normal reproduction in males and females, to aid in the management of diabetes, to ameliorate the adverse effects of chemotherapy, and to aid in managing hypobaric conditions is presented., (© The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Life Sciences Institute. All rights reserved. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reproduction and distribution of the work, in any medium, provided the original work is not altered or transformed in any way, and that the work properly cited. For commercial re-use, please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Antroquinonol have significantly anti-tumour effects on various cancer cells. There is still lack of reports on regulation of environmental factors on antroquinonol production by Antrodia camphorata., Results: An effective submerged fermentation method was employed to induce antroquinonol with adding H 2 O 2 . The production of antroquinonol was 57.81 mg L -1 after fermentation for 10 days when adding 25 mmol L -1 H 2 O 2 at day 4 of the fermentation process. Then, antroquinonol was further increased to 80.10 mg L -1 with cell productivity of 14.94 mg g -1 dry mycelium when the feeding rate of H 2 O 2 was adjusted to 0.2 mmol L -1 h -1 in the 7 L fermentation bioreactor. After inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species with the inhibitor diphenyleneiodoium, the synthesis of antroquinonol from A. camphorata was significantly reduced, and the yield was only 3.3 mg L -1 ., Conclusion: The results demonstrated that addition of H 2 O 2 was a very effective strategy to induce and regulate the synthesis of antroquinonol in submerged fermentation. Reactive oxygen species generated by H 2 O 2 during fermentation caused oxidative stress, which induced the synthesis of antroquinonol and other chemical compounds. Moreover, it is very beneficial process to improve production and diversity of the active compounds during liquid fermentation of A. camphorata mycelium. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.)